KESUMA encourages employers to offer flexibility for the extra Aidilfitri holiday, allowing substitution or granting leave to support work-life balance and festive celebrations.

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) is urging all employers to provide flexibility to employees regarding the implementation of the additional public holiday announced for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

KESUMA welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of the extra holiday as a gesture of appreciation to Malaysians.

The ministry clarified that the declared holiday constitutes a public holiday for the private sector under the Holidays Act 1951 and the Employment Act 1955.

“Based on this provision, employers may substitute the public holiday with another day as a paid replacement holiday for employees,” KESUMA said in a statement.

Employers must inform their employees whether the holiday will be granted on the declared date or replaced with another suitable day.

Employees required to work on the declared public holiday are entitled to receive public holiday pay rates as stipulated by law.

KESUMA encouraged employers to consider granting leave flexibility as part of employment practices that support work-life balance.

“This will allow employees to celebrate Aidilfitri in a spirit of togetherness, well-being and harmony with their families,” the ministry stated.

This approach aligns with the government’s efforts to strengthen work-life balance and foster a more inclusive working environment.

KESUMA also encouraged constructive discussions between employers and employees to ensure smooth company operations during the festive period.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the additional day of leave in appreciation of the efforts of Malaysians who worked hard throughout Ramadan.

The date of the additional holiday will depend on the official declaration of Syawal 1, with Monday, March 23 set as the extra day if Aidilfitri falls on Friday, March 20.

 The Sun Malaysia